I couldn't believe how lucky I was when I realized she was there! I wish I would have asked for her autograph :) ButI just realized she will be in Richmond, VA with us next month though so maybe I can get it there...

Before the event began we had the chance to squeeze in a little dinner with a new friend: a girl who recently found out she has two children with the same syndrome that Lucy does.She's the one on the left.

It's actually quite a miracle how she found out. Click here for her story.

We look like we're all just pleased as punch in that picture, and we are...I mean, it's always great to meet new friends. But this is hard, tough stuff we were talking about over dinner. Things that change your life forever. Things that tear your heart in half.

My heart aches for my new friend and all the others I have come in contact with as they muddle and sift through the little information they can scavenger to help them make sense of their children when that ominous diagnosis first surfaces in some way or another.

I know because I was there almost three years ago. (Click here for our story.)

And my heart was breaking in two just like theirs are.

In fact, it still does. On a regular basis. When the vision teacher from school calls to tell me, in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the after-school rush, that Lucy's eyesight has become "significantly worse" over the summer. (I love her vision "helper" with all my heart by the way. She is so incredibly conscientious and helpful.) And when she can't squeeze into a size 8 dress when she's half that age. And when at almost five-years-old she still cannot dress herself.

How I hope my new friend and all of us parents can find the answers we are searching for in our own quests for knowledge for our individual children.

And how I hope she can feel the peace that will sift through at beautiful moments alongside the worry and anguish.

Back to the event...it was so nice to meet so many sweet, kind blog readers there.I must mention how much their words of encouragement meant to me. They filled up my heart. Even the ones I only saw quickly in passing...those kind words buoyed me up and I appreciate them so very much.I LOVE Mercy River (this music group who performed at the event). It's been so fun getting to know them the last two years. They have all three had babies in the last year and Whitney brought hers to Logan with her:I liked snuggling with him for the few minutes I got to grab him.

Mariama was as great as ever. Her awe-inspiring story gets me every time.One of my Young Women who graduated last year joined us for a bit. I wish I had a picture but rest assured she is darling and it was so great to see her.

My aunt came too. She's the one second to the left below:She is an amazing lady who has "become" (that's the TOFW theme this year) quite the advocate for special needs children in the aftermath of raising a son with special needs of his own.

And last but not least, my sister Saren came too. How I love that older (and shorter) sister of mine.

Together we visited my dear Grandma and my other Aunt who both live in Logan on our way back to the airport.

Then I left to fly back to my sweet children and this awesome babysitter who took such great care of them while we were gone.

Those are the tie-dye shirts they were preparing to make up there at the top...

(Dave got to go on a trip at the same time with some good friends...I wish I had pictures of that one but suffice it to say he probably wouldn't let me post them anyway. He sure had a good time.)

17 comments:

Thank you for coming to TOFW in Logan. I loved hearing your stories about being a mom and I loved listening to your own mother speak of this great calling. I'm not a mother, nor have I found my prince charming yet but, I loved listening to you both. Lucy has become a true fan of mine.

I loved listening to you at TOFW - I even got to meet you and was about to leave you the world's longest comment about how wonderful I think you are, then emailed you instead! Thank you for taking time away from you family to uplift us!

Ok- TOTALLY random question, I know- I am tall like you and have the hardest time finding pants that are long enough/stylish/inexpensive. I've begun to think I need to fork out a bit of money for my pants. Where do you shop?

I just found your blog a little while ago... and can't even remember how I stumbled upon it but I am glad I did!! Your family is adorable and I have already learned so much from reading your posts. I am a new mom and am soaking in any and everything I can about parenting. I was telling a friend from my ward about your blog and she started talking about some good parenting books. It just so happened that the books were written by your parents! Small world. Anyway, I am a reader and just wanted to say hello and thank you for your inspirational writing!

It was fun to meet you after spending the last few years getting to know you and your cute family through blogging. You have such a sweet, soft voice; I'm sure that's why your kids are they way they are. Btw, I agree with slamming doors, too, but I doubt you have a "mean mommy" voice like I do when I've reached the end of my limit. :)

I absolutely loved TOFW. It was my first time, but it won't be my last. I teach special ed at a high school full time, so my mommy responsibilities sometimes go undone. I am so glad that I was able to feel the love and support as others are facing these same struggles in raising our own and helping others with their precious kiddos. Thanks for "raising weary hands"!!! Destiny